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Restaurant

Before + After

Laneway Basement, 181 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Recommended by 38 people

Updated

Find Before + After

Laneway Basement, 181 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

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+61 420 740 514
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Before + After

Slip down a George Street laneway, turn left, and descend to an unmarked basement doorway dedicated to the bitter world of the digestivo. Discerning night-owls treat the team as palate guides—bartenders pull down obscure bottles from a hundred-strong backbar and calibrate pours to your mood. You might land a martini with a nutty finish, Amaro Nonino over ice, or a smoky nightcap laced with subtle chocolate beside a charcuterie board in the low light.

  • Amaro & Digestivos: A collection of over 100 bitter herbal liqueurs, backed by bartenders who tailor tastings from delicate aperitifs to rich, treacly nightcaps.
  • Subterranean Laneway Retreat: Concealed down a George Street alley and below street level, pairing dim lighting and vintage speakeasy seclusion with zero attitude.
  • Custom Cocktails & Bar Bites: Bespoke drinks dialed in to your palate alongside curated charcuterie boards and toasted snacks.
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What's On at Before + After

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Before + After

Reserve your table underground for an intimate amaro tasting or pre-dinner cocktail.

  • Unpretentious Amaro Education

    Staff decode complex botanical profiles without pretension, taking guests through curated tastings of rare digestifs and bespoke herbal cocktails.

    For a thorough education in this aromatic and elusive spirit, in an intimate and totally non-pretentious environment, please visit Before + After.

    Diana Chang

  • Deep Beverage Ethos & Discovery

    The bar program is anchored by over a hundred amaro varieties, intricate clarifications, and customized guidance tailored to each guest's curiosity.

    Riley delivered both informative and educational descriptions of their drinks list and the ethos behind the ‘Amaro’ basis of their cocktails.

    Roxanne Brand

  • Pre-Dinner Aperitif Sanctuary

    Tucked away down a George Street alley and subterranean stairs, it serves as an intimate CBD hideaway for a calm, sophisticated aperitif before evening reservations.

    We were looking for somewhere to have a quiet drink before heading to dinner.

    Jamie Holyoak

  • Subterranean Nightcap Haven

    Downstairs beneath street level, the room transitions into a cozy lounge ideal for decompressing over layered digestifs and light bites late into the evening.

    Visited after dinner during the Xmas break, to finish the night with a couple of drinks.

    Tehaunui

  • Unmarked Speakeasy Reveal

    Concealed behind a discreet basement entrance, finding the venue provides an unforgettable reveal for friends seeking Brisbane's tucked-away bar scene.

    Our friends didn't know where we were going so we just guided them through when we got there the supprize on their faces was priceless.

    Elmira Esfahani

  • Vintage Ambiance for Dates

    Warm, dim vintage lighting and low-key basement seating establish the right backdrop for relaxed one-on-one dates and intimate conversations.

    It’s a hidden underground bar with the most vintage speakeasy vibe, perfect for dates and catchups.

    Charlotte Wilo

Guest-favorite cocktails and pairings crafted with precision.

  • Charcuterie Board

    Charcuterie board was a fabulous addition.

    Annette

  • Martini

    the martini which was smooth with a nutty finish

    Diana Chang

  • Sazerac

    We tried the Sazerac which was beautiful.

    Elmira Esfahani

  • Hay Fever

    "Hay Fever", a delicious well balanced take on the whisky sour.

    James Rossetti

Other favorites

Specialty sips and nightcaps showcasing the basement bar's herbal repertoire

  • Amaro Nonino

    the amaro nonino on ice very treacley sweet

    Diana Chang

  • M&M

    as a nightcap the ‘m&m’ which was fresh, a bit smokey, with subtle chocolate in the finish.

    Diana Chang

  • Amaro Sour

    makes the best amaro sours

    Zack Bonney

  • Red Redemption

    I love the red redemption. Its a yoghurt punch clarification slow drip..

    lara Robinson

Beyond the menu

Attentive, education-forward hospitality details that elevate the subterranean cocktail journey—book your table ahead to secure your spot.

  • Tableside Aroma Consultations

    Bartenders guide drink discovery by bringing spirit bottles directly to your table, explaining production nuances and letting you evaluate botanical aromas firsthand before mixing.

  • Palate Calibration & Remake Care

    The bar team decodes unfamiliar flavor profiles to mix tailored off-menu creations, readily offering to shake up an alternative if a drink does not suit your taste.

  • Clarification Process Breakdowns

    Staff explain the intricate house processes behind each cocktail, providing detailed walkthroughs of techniques like multi-stage yogurt punch slow-drip clarification.

  • Calibrated Amaro Progressions

    Bartenders curate personalized spirit journeys across the amaro library, sequencing customized tastings smoothly from delicate aperitifs to robust nightcaps.

Before you head over

Essential advice on finding the basement hideaway, timing peak hours, and booking your visit.

  • Spotting the Laneway Entrance

    The entrance is unmarked and hidden off George Street. Head down the alleyway, turn left, and walk down the basement stairs to find the door on your left.

  • Timing Your Arrival for Bar Seats

    The cozy subterranean space is compact and fills up quickly later in the evening. Arrive earlier in the evening to secure seats at the bar counter, where you can watch the preparation up close.

  • Navigating the Amaro Selection

    The extensive digestif and amaro list can feel unfamiliar at first glance. Rather than guessing, describe your preferred flavor profiles to the bartenders for custom off-menu recommendations. Book your spot ahead to ensure a seamless visit.

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